When it comes to maintaining or improving mobility as we age, the phrase “use it or lose it” is repeated often by health professionals. If you aren’t investing in safe, regular exercise you may be shaving a few years off your life. But there is hope for improving your ability to exercise and get around on your own, and that starts with taking a look at senior physical therapy programs.
As we age, we naturally lose some flexibility and functionality. We may even experience some pain and poorer balance. The purpose of physical therapy is to help you improve in these areas, whether you are trying to manage a long-term illness or simply want to enhance your overall quality of life in retirement.
Physical therapy can also help you manage the onset of some conditions. Women in particular are vulnerable to osteoporosis, which is a bone disease that results in a decrease in bone mass. Bones can become more brittle, which can lead to an increase in breaks and fractures should you stumble and fall.
Specialized exercise programs, such as the Rock Steady boxing program at Bethany Village, can also help seniors with Parkinson’s disease or other conditions slow the onset of symptoms and gain some mobility back.
Talk to your doctor to see if a physical therapy program created for seniors may be right for you. Ask for recommendations and explore your options. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to miss out on doing the things that you love. Physical therapy programs designed with your health, conditions, and skill level can transform your life.
